Bumper caps.

The SRs have painted caps. The SR5 should have chrome.
Some export trucks (Mexico, Caribbean, even Canada) come with painted instead of chrome in many cases.

 

to embarrass us that we didn't pay $$$ for the Tech package.

 

Probably! lol. I just think it’s sad to have to deal with having them painted etc. just to get the truck to look like it should have to begin with. I will bite the bullet and do it if I do have other options, but it’s because I want my truck to look much better than chrome.

Nice vids on YT by the way. Very informative and helpful.

 

The chrome is indeed a bummer. If it was the entire bumper...maybe it would be okay but the end caps...that's a travesty! lol

Thanks! I appreciate the compliment about my YouTube channel. All that positive feedback inspires me to make more of them.

 

The black ones from rock auto are perfect.

 

This video fast-forwards and skips over some important steps in the removal process. It's really easy to break the tabs on the corner caps by pulling them off like this video shows.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/16-tacoma-bumper-cap-removal.404082/page-5 Post #88 in this thread is very helpful.

 

I've got a 2018 trd OR. White. Chrome corner caps. I hate the chrome.
Getting the corner caps off is the hardest part. There are several arrowhead type fasteners that hold the black part of the bumper on. The part of the bumper that you would step on to get into the bed. Some of the arrowheads can be released from the underside. But the others you will have to just pull kind of jerkingly on the black plastic part to release a few more of the arrow heads to get the corner caps off. It may seem as though youre breaking them when you're releasing the arrowheads. You very well might if your truck has seen some severe chemicals like road salts. But I would think most of the 3rd gens would be fine as they are not that old yet. The arrowheads are made to be reused a couple of times. But once is my limit. I don't want to have to pull them up again.
As far as removing the chrome... I wouldn't recommend it. I started to and its really on there... It is very difficult to sand. I elected not to paint them. I decided to order new ones that are ready for paint ($78 each right now). I ordered them for a trd sport model without the sensor cutouts. I got the paint matched at a paint shop with my color code and gonna paint them myself from a spray can.
1. Good sanding to roughen the surface
2. Adhesion promoter
3. Primer (immediately after adhesion promoter)
4. Sand Primer (don't sand through)
5. Base coat
6. (Optional) clear coat (immediately after base coat)

This is for the smoothest finish. If you don't mind texture, you can skip the sanding the primer step and follow it with the basecoat before the primer is fully cured. Talk to the paint shop. They're pretty helpful. Paints and sanding supplies cost me about $120 so far.

Hope this helps someone. I've paineted plastic before. No problem. Chrome coated plastic... Might as well paint on glass in my opinion. I don't feel confident I could do a paint job that would last as long as on plastic. Just my two cents.

 

An aftermarket metal bumper solves everything

 

You may be surprised on what's back there. It's not really a bumper. It just looks like one

 

My neighbor who inspired me to getting a sport 4x4 Dclb has a sr5 with chrome rear bumper. We both have silver sky and I prefer the chrome bumper. I even bought the 4x4 tailgate emblem for my sport. I wanted an sr5 and would have been happy, really liked the sport and the wife pushed me to getting the sport. Wish I could have gotten a limited longbed.

 

How do they match up with the bumper and fender flares? Same color and texture?

 

plastidip is easy and cheap. Doesnt look that bad either.

 

I used the bumpershellz and I think they look great. Here's a link to the thread and @eCOOL1 can help you out, if you're interested.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-tacoma-bumper-covers-color-suggestions.559617/

 

How do these match up with the black fender flares and black bumper?

 

Ditto - bumpershellz is the easiest for install, but not the most cost effective. I installed both sides in less than 5 minutes.

 

I don't like my chrome bumper caps, but my SR5 4x4 and V6 emblems are chrome. Sort of chrome harmony back there......

 

Those are easily removed or blackened using factory "overlays" OR replacement emblems.

 

We (dissent offroad) will have our heavy duty 1/4" aluminum replacement bumper caps available in the next week or so!
These will run about $500 coated and come with recovery points and provision for backup lights.

 

Any plans for a steel option that you could possibly attach a swingout for tires or accessories?

 

May offer a steel option but unfortunately this is not a good design for swing out.